CN112674396B - Pod assembly, dispensing body and electronic cigarette device comprising same - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic cigarette device may include a pod assembly and a distribution body (112), the distribution body being configured to receive the pod assembly. An atomizer may be arranged in the pod assembly and/or the distribution body. The pod assembly may include a steam precursor compartment, a device compartment, and a steam channel, the steam channel extending from the device compartment and passing through the steam precursor compartment. The pod assembly is an intelligent pod configured to receive, store, and transmit information, and the intelligent pod may communicate with the distribution body and/or another electronic device. The proximal portion of the distribution body includes a steam channel (106) and a through hole (114). The steam channel may extend from the end surface of the proximal portion to the side wall of the through hole. The through hole is configured to receive the pod assembly so that the steam channel of the pod assembly is aligned with the steam channel of the distribution body.

Description

Pod assembly, dispensing body and electronic cigarette device comprising same

This patent application is a division of the application number 201680023188.9 (PCT/US 2016/028048) filed 4/18, entitled "pod assemblies, dispensing bodies and e-cigarette devices comprising them".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electronic smoking device comprising a self-contained article comprising a vapor precursor. And (5) leaking.

Background

Some electronic cigarette devices include a first portion coupled to a second portion via a threaded connection. The first portion may be a replaceable cartridge and the second portion may be a reusable fixture. The threaded connection may be a combination of a male threaded member on the first portion and a female threaded receiver on the second portion. The first portion includes an outer tube (or housing) extending along a longitudinal direction and an inner tube of the outer tube. The inner tube may be coaxially located within the outer tube. The second portion may also include an outer tube (or housing) extending in the longitudinal direction. The electronic cigarette device includes a central air channel defined in part by an inner tube and an upstream seal. In addition, the electronic cigarette device includes a reservoir. The reservoir is configured to hold a vapor precursor and an optional storage medium operable to store the vapor precursor therein. The reservoir is contained in an outer annular space between the outer tube and the inner tube. The outer annular space is sealed by a seal at the upstream end and a stop at the downstream end to prevent leakage of vapor precursor from the reservoir.

Disclosure of Invention

An electronic cigarette device may include a pod assembly, a dispensing body configured to receive the pod assembly, and/or a nebulizer disposed in at least one of the pod assembly and the dispensing body. The pod assembly may include a vapor precursor compartment, an equipment compartment, and a vapor passage extending from the equipment compartment and through the vapor precursor compartment. The vapor precursor compartment is configured to hold a vapor precursor therein. The dispensing body includes a proximal portion and an opposite distal portion. The proximal portion includes a steam channel and a through bore. The steam channel may extend from an end surface of the proximal portion to a sidewall of the through-hole. The through hole may be interposed between the steam channel and the distal end portion of the dispensing body. The through-hole is configured to receive the pod assembly. The atomizer may be disposed in at least one of the pod assembly and the dispensing body. The vapor precursor compartment of the pod assembly is configured to be in fluid communication with the atomizer during operation of the electronic cigarette device such that vapor precursor from the vapor precursor compartment is in thermal contact with the atomizer. The atomizer is configured to heat the vapor precursor to generate vapor that passes through the pod assembly via the vapor passage. The through-hole of the dispensing body is configured to receive the pod assembly such that the vapor passage of the pod assembly is aligned with the vapor passage of the dispensing body to facilitate vapor delivery through the vapor passage of the dispensing body.

The vapor precursor compartment of the pod assembly may surround the vapor channel. For example, the vapor channel may pass through the center of the vapor precursor compartment.

Alternatively, the vapor channel may be in the form of a passageway disposed along at least one sidewall of the vapor precursor compartment. For example, the vapor channel may be in the form of a conduit disposed in at least one corner of the vapor precursor compartment. The conduits may be disposed in at least two corners of the vapor precursor compartment and configured to converge at a location that is aligned with the vapor passage of the dispensing body when the pod assembly is received in the through-hole.

The vapor precursor compartment and the device compartment may be at opposite ends of the pod assembly. The equipment compartment of the pod assembly may include a memory device. The memory device may be encoded with an electronic identity to allow at least one of verifying the identity of the pod assembly and performing a specific operating parameter pairing of the pod assembly when the pod assembly is inserted into the through-hole of the dispensing body. The storage device may also receive and store information such as operating parameters and usage history from the dispensing body. Once stored, this information in the storage device will remain intact even when the pod is separated from the dispensing body.

The pod assembly may include a side surface having at least one electrical contact. The dispensing body may be configured to perform at least one of supplying power to and communicating with the pod assembly via the at least one electrical contact. At least one electrical contact may be at an end of the pod assembly corresponding to the equipment compartment.

The size of the through holes corresponds to the size of the pod assembly. The proximal portion of the dispensing body may include a mouth that includes a vapor passage. The vapor passage may be interposed between the mouth and the device compartment when the pod assembly is inserted into the through bore of the dispensing body. The electronic cigarette device may further comprise an attachment structure on at least one of the side walls of the through-hole and the side surfaces of the pod assembly. The attachment structure is configured to engage and retain the pod assembly when the pod assembly is inserted into the through bore of the dispensing body. The attachment structure enables an adult smoker to easily insert and remove the pod assembly from the dispensing body. The attachment structure also aligns and secures the pod assembly in place in the dispensing body during normal use of the e-cigarette device.

A pod assembly for an e-cigarette apparatus may include a vapor precursor compartment configured to hold a vapor precursor therein, a device compartment in fluid communication with the vapor precursor compartment, and a vapor channel extending from the device compartment and through the vapor precursor compartment. The equipment compartment may include a nebulizer. The equipment compartment may also include a memory device. The side surface of the pod assembly may include at least one electrical contact.

Drawings

The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein will become more apparent upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The drawings are not to be considered as being drawn to scale unless explicitly indicated. The various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated for clarity.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing body of an electronic cigarette device according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the dispensing body of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the mouth of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the first frame of fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the second frame of fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the body portion of fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the end of fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of another dispensing body of an electronic cigarette device according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the dispensing body of fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the first mouth of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the second mouth of fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the first frame of fig. 9.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the frame molding of fig. 9.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the second frame of fig. 9.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a pod assembly of an e-cigarette device according to an example embodiment.

Figure 16 is a top view of the pod assembly of figure 15.

Figure 17 is a side view of the pod assembly of figure 15.

Figure 18 is an exploded view of the pod assembly of figure 15.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a plurality of pod assemblies according to one example embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a view of an e-cigarette device with a pod assembly inserted into a dispensing body according to one example embodiment.

Fig. 21 shows an apparatus system diagram of a dispensing body according to an example embodiment.

Figure 22 shows a pod system diagram of a dispensing body according to an example embodiment.

Detailed Description

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to," or "covering" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected, coupled, or covering the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., "below," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" may include both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the exemplary embodiments. As such, variations in the shape of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, the exemplary embodiments should not be considered limited to the shape of the regions illustrated herein, but rather include deviations in shape that result, for example, from manufacturing. The regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing body of an electronic cigarette device according to an example embodiment. Referring to fig. 1, the dispensing body 104 of the e-cigarette device includes a frame portion that is connected to a body portion 118. The frame portion includes a first frame 110 and a second frame 112. The side walls 116 (e.g., inner side surfaces) of the first and second frames 110, 112 define the through-holes 114. The through-hole 114 is configured to receive a pod assembly (the pod assembly will be discussed in detail later).

In general, an e-cigarette device may include a dispensing body 104, a pod assembly inserted into a through-hole 114 of the dispensing body 104, and a nebulizer disposed in at least one of the pod assembly and the dispensing body 104. The pod assembly may include a vapor precursor compartment (e.g., a liquid compartment), a device compartment, and a vapor channel. The vapor channel may extend from the equipment compartment and through the vapor precursor compartment. The vapor precursor compartment is configured to hold a vapor precursor (e.g., e-liquid) therein. A vapor precursor is a material or combination of materials that can be converted to vapor. For example, the vapor precursor may be a liquid, solid, and/or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial fragrances, and/or vapor precursors such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

The dispensing body 104 includes a proximal portion and an opposite distal portion. Mouth 108 is disposed at a proximal portion, and end 120 is disposed at a distal portion. The proximal portion includes a steam channel 106 and a through bore 114. The steam channel 106 extends from an end surface of the proximal portion to a sidewall 116 of the through bore 114. The vapor passage 106 is in the form of one or more passages extending through the proximal portion of the dispensing body 104. The through-hole 114 is interposed between the vapor passage 106 and a distal portion of the dispensing body 104 (e.g., between the mouth 108 and the body portion 118).

A nebulizer (discussed in more detail later) is disposed in at least one of the pod assembly and the dispensing body 104. The vapor precursor compartment of the pod assembly is configured to be in fluid communication with the atomizer during operation of the electronic cigarette device such that vapor precursor from the vapor precursor compartment is in thermal contact with the atomizer. The atomizer is configured to heat the vapor precursor to generate vapor that passes through the pod assembly via the vapor passage. The through-holes 114 of the dispensing body 104 are configured to receive the pod assembly such that the vapor channels of the pod assembly are aligned with the vapor channels 106 of the dispensing body 104 to facilitate vapor delivery through the vapor channels 106 of the dispensing body 104.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the dispensing body of fig. 1. Referring to fig. 2, the first frame 110 and the second frame 112 are configured to combine to form a frame portion of the dispensing body 104. A variety of options may be used to join the first frame 110 and the second frame 112. In one example embodiment, the first frame 110 is a female member and the second frame 112 is a male member configured to engage the female member. Alternatively, the first frame 110 may be a male member and the second frame 112 may be a female member configured to engage the male member. Although example embodiments are not limited in this regard, the first frame 110 may be engaged with the second frame 112 via a snap, friction fit, or slide-button arrangement.

The first frame 110 may be considered a front frame of the dispensing body 104 and the second frame 112 may be considered a rear frame (or vice versa). In addition, the proximal ends of the first and second frames 110, 112, when joined, define the vapor passage 106 therebetween. The steam channel 106 may be in the form of a single channel that communicates with the through-holes 114 defined by the side walls 116. Alternatively, the steam channel 106 may be in the form of a plurality of channels that communicate with the through-holes 114 defined by the side walls 116. In such an example, the plurality of channels may include a central channel surrounded by peripheral channels (or just a few evenly spaced channels). Each of the plurality of channels may independently extend from the through-hole 114 to the proximal surface of the frame portion. Alternatively, the common channel may extend partially out of the through hole 114 and then split into a plurality of channels extending to the proximal surface of the frame portion.

Mouth 108 is configured to slide onto the proximal end of the frame portion defining vapor passage 106. Accordingly, the outer surface of the proximal end formed by first frame 110 and second frame 112 may correspond to the inner surface of mouth 108. Alternatively, the proximal end defining vapor passage 106 may be integrally formed as part of mouth 108 (rather than being part of a frame portion). Mouth 108 may be secured via a snap fit or other suitable arrangement. In one example embodiment, mouth 108 is a removable component that is intended to allow an adult smoker to be actively, advised, or necessarily replaced. For example, mouth 108 provides visual or other sensory appeal to adult smokers, in addition to its intended function. In particular, mouth 108 may be constructed of decorative material (e.g., wood, metal, ceramic) and/or include designs (e.g., patterns, images, characters). Thus, mouth 108 can be customized by an adult smoker to provide a representation of personality and personal characteristics. In other cases, the removable nature of mouth 108 may facilitate being recommended for replacement due to the number of uses or necessary for replacement due to wear or damage over time (e.g., a notched mouth 108 due to accidental dropping of the e-cigarette device).

The lower ends of the first and second frames 110, 112 opposite the proximal end defining the steam channel 106 are configured to be inserted into the body portion 118. To facilitate a secure fit, the outer surfaces of the lower ends of the first and second frames 110, 112 may correspond to the receiving inner surfaces of the body portion 118. In addition, the lower ends of the first and second frames 110, 112 may also define a recess therebetween to accommodate one or more electrical wires connected to one or more electrical contacts disposed in the sidewall 116 (e.g., a lower surface of the sidewall 116 opposite the steam channel 106). A power source (e.g., a battery) may also be provided in the recess to supply the necessary current through the electrical wires. Alternatively, the power source may be provided in the body portion 118 in the available space between the male lower end of the frame portion and the end 120.

The first button 122 and the second button 124 may be disposed on the body portion 118 and connected to their respective circuitry and electronics. In one example embodiment, the first button 122 may be a power switch and the second button 124 may be a battery level indicator. The battery charge indicator may display a representation of the available charge (e.g., 3 out of 4 cells). Additionally, the battery charge indicator may also blink and/or change color to alert an adult smoker to recharge the e-cigarette device. To stop blinking, the adult smoker can simply press the second button 124. Thus, the buttons of the electronic cigarette device may have control and/or display functions. It should be understood that the examples with respect to the first button 122 and the second button 124 are not intended to be limiting, and may have different implementations depending on the desired functionality. Thus, more than two (and/or differently shaped) buttons may be provided near the same location or at different locations of the electronic cigarette device.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the mouth of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 3, mouth 108 may be an open cap-like structure configured to slide onto a proximal end of the frame portion defining vapor passage 106. Mouth 108 may have a wider base that tapers to a narrower top. However, it should be understood that the example embodiments are not limited thereto. Mouth 108 may also be formed to better conform to the shape of an adult smoker's mouth during inhalation of vapor. For example, one side of mouth 108 may be more straight, while the opposite side may be more curved.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the first frame of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 4, the first frame 110 includes a sidewall 116, and the sidewall 116 defines the through hole 114. The first frame 110 is configured to be coupled to the second frame 112, the second frame 112 also including a sidewall 116 defining a through-hole 114. Because the combined through-holes 114 are configured to receive the pod assemblies, the side walls 116 of the first and second frames 110, 112 may form a relatively smooth and continuous surface to facilitate insertion of the pod assemblies.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the second frame of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 5, the second frame 112 is configured to be coupled to the first frame 110 such that the shape defined by the coupled sidewalls 116 corresponds to the shape of the side surfaces of the pod assembly. In addition, attachment structures (e.g., fittings/recesses, magnetic arrangements) may be provided on at least one of the side walls 116 and the side surfaces of the pod assembly.

For example, the attachment structure may include a mating member formed on the side wall 116 (of the first frame 110 and/or the second frame 112) and a corresponding recess formed on a side surface of the pod assembly. Conversely, the mating members may be formed on the side surfaces of the pod assembly, while the corresponding recesses may be formed on the side walls 116 (of the first and/or second frames 110, 112). In one non-limiting embodiment, the mating member may be a circular structure to facilitate engagement/disengagement of the attachment structure, and the recess may be a concave indentation corresponding to the curvature of the circular structure. The mating member may also be spring loaded to retract (via spring compression) when the pod assembly is inserted into the through bore 114 and to extend (via spring decompression) when the mating member is aligned with the corresponding recess. Engagement of the mating members with the corresponding recesses may produce an audible click informing an adult smoker that the pod assembly is secured and properly positioned in the through-bore 114 of the dispensing body 104.

In another example, the attachment structure may include a magnetic arrangement. For example, the first magnet may be disposed in the side wall 116 (of the first frame 110 and/or the second frame 112) and the second magnet may be disposed in a side surface of the pod assembly. The first and/or second magnets may be exposed or hidden behind the material layer. The first and second magnets are oriented to attract each other and a plurality of pairs of first and second magnets may be provided to ensure that the pod assembly will be secured and properly aligned in the throughbore 114 of the dispensing body 104. Thus, when the pod assembly is inserted into the through bore 114, the pair of magnets (e.g., the first and second magnets) will attract each other and thereby retain the pod assembly in the through bore 114 while properly aligning the channel outlet of the pod assembly with the vapor channel 106 of the dispensing body 104.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the body portion of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 6, the body portion 118 may be a tubular structure that forms an integral part of the dispensing body 104. The cross-section of the body portion 118 may be oval, although other shapes are possible depending on the configuration of the frame portion. An adult smoker can hold the electronic cigarette device through the body portion 118. Thus, the body portion 118 may be formed of (or covered by) a material that provides enhanced grip and/or texture to the finger.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the end of fig. 2. Referring to fig. 7, the end 120 is configured to be inserted into the distal end of the body portion 118. The shape of the end 120 may correspond to the shape of the distal end of the body portion 118 to provide a smoother and continuous transition between the two surfaces.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of another dispensing body of an electronic cigarette device according to an example embodiment. Referring to fig. 8, the dispensing body 204 includes a sidewall 216, the sidewall 216 defining a through-hole 214, the through-hole 214 configured to receive a pod assembly. The base portion of the frame of the dispensing body 204 has a first frame 210, a frame molding 211, and a second frame 212 (see fig. 9). The steam channel 206 and the first mouth 208 are provided at a proximal end portion of the dispensing body 204.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the dispensing body of fig. 8. Referring to fig. 9, the frame molding 211 is sandwiched between the first frame 210 and the second frame 212. However, it should be understood that the first frame 210 and the second frame 212 may be modified and constructed such that the frame molding 211 is not required. The steam channel 206 may be defined by two proximal ends of the first and second frames 210, 212 and the second mouth 209. Thus, the steam channel 206 extends from the side wall 216 to the outlet end of the second mouth 209. The first mouth 208 is configured to slide onto the second mouth 209. In one example embodiment, the first mouth 208 may be configured to be removable, while the second mouth 209 may be configured to be permanent. Alternatively, the first mouth 208 may be integral with the second mouth 209 to form a removable single structure.

A first button 222, a second button 224, and a third button 226 may be provided on the second frame 212 of the dispensing body 204. In one example embodiment, the first button 222 may be a display (e.g., a battery level indicator), the second button 224 may control the amount of vapor precursor available to the heater, and the third button 226 may be a power button. However, it should be understood that the example embodiments are not limited thereto. Obviously, the buttons may have different implementations depending on the desired function. Thus, a different number of buttons (and/or having a different shape) may be provided near the same location or at different locations of the electronic cigarette device. Additionally, features and considerations related to the dispensing body 104 that are also applicable to the dispensing body 204 may be discussed above with respect to the dispensing body 104.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the first mouth of fig. 9. Referring to fig. 10, the first mouth 208 is configured to fit over the second mouth 209. Thus, the inner surface of the first mouth 208 may correspond to the outer surface of the second mouth 209.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the second mouth of fig. 9. Referring to fig. 11, the second mouth 209 defines a steam channel 206 therein. The second mouth 209 may be similar to the combined proximal ends of the first and second frames 110, 112 defining the vapor passage 106 of the dispensing body 104.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the first frame of fig. 9. Referring to fig. 12, the first frame 210 includes a sidewall 216, the sidewall 216 defining a through hole 214. The top end of the first frame 210 may include a connection structure that facilitates connection of at least the second mouth 209 thereto.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the frame molding of fig. 9. Referring to fig. 13, the frame molding 211 may be in the form of a curved bar that is supported by the center panel. The frame molding 211 forms a side surface of the dispensing body 204 when disposed between the first frame 210 and the second frame 212, although the example embodiment is not limited thereto.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the second frame of fig. 9. Referring to fig. 14, the second frame 212 includes a sidewall 216, the sidewall 216 defining a through hole 214. The top end of the second frame 212 may include a connection structure that facilitates connection of at least the second mouth 209 thereto. In addition, the surface of the second frame 212 may be provided with a pattern or texture appearance. Such patterns and textures may be of aesthetic (e.g., visually attractive) and/or functional (e.g., grip enhancing) nature. Although not shown, a surface of the first frame 210 may be similarly provided.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a pod assembly of an e-cigarette device according to an example embodiment. Referring to fig. 15, the pod assembly 302 includes a pod molding 310, the pod molding 310 being disposed between the first cap 304 and the second cap 314. The first cap 304 may be considered a front cap and the second cap 314 may be considered a rear cap (or vice versa). The first cap 304 and the second cap 314 may be formed of a transparent material to allow viewing of the contents (e.g., vapor precursors) in the pod assembly 302. The pod trim 310 defines a channel outlet 312, the channel outlet 312 for releasing steam generated in the pod assembly 302.

The pod assembly 302 is a self-contained item that may be sealed with a protective film wrapped around the pod molding 310. In addition, due to the closed system nature of the pod assembly 302, the risk of damage and contamination may be reduced. Also, the opportunity for undesirable physical exposure (e.g., via leakage) of vapor precursors in the pod assembly 302 may be reduced. Additionally, the pod assembly 302 may be configured to prevent refilling.

Figure 16 is a top view of the pod assembly of figure 15. Referring to fig. 16, the second cap 314 is wider than the first cap 304. Accordingly, the pod molding 310 may be angled outwardly from the first cap 304 toward the second cap 314. However, it should be understood that other configurations are possible depending on the design of the pod assembly 302.

Figure 17 is a side view of the pod assembly of figure 15. Referring to fig. 17, the second cap 314 is longer than the first cap 304. Accordingly, the pod molding 310 may be angled outwardly from the first cap 304 toward the second cap 314. Thus, the pod assembly 302 may be inserted into the dispensing body such that the side corresponding to the first cap 304 is first received in the through bore. In one example embodiment, the pod assembly 302 may be inserted into the through-bore 114 of the dispensing body 104 and/or the through-bore 214 of the dispensing body 204.

Figure 18 is an exploded view of the pod assembly of figure 15. Referring to fig. 18, the interior space of the pod assembly 302 may be divided into a plurality of compartments by means of components therein. For example, the tapered outlet of the vapor channel 308 may be aligned with the channel outlet 312, while the space defined by the first cap 304, the vapor channel 308, the pod molding 310, and the second cap 314 may be considered a vapor precursor compartment. In addition, the defined space under the steam channel 308 may be considered an equipment compartment. For example, the equipment compartment may include a nebulizer 306. One benefit of including the atomizer 306 in the pod assembly 302 is that the atomizer 306 will only be used for the amount of vapor precursor contained in the vapor precursor compartment and thus will not be over-utilized.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a plurality of pod assemblies according to one example embodiment. Referring to fig. 19, each pod assembly 402 includes a pod molding 410 disposed between a first cap 404 and a second cap 414. The vapor channel 408 is aligned with the channel outlet 412 and is disposed above the atomizer 406. The pod assembly 402 is sealed to retain the vapor precursor 418 therein and to prevent damage to the vapor precursor 418. The vapor precursor compartment of the pod assembly 402 is configured to hold a vapor precursor 418 while the equipment compartment includes a nebulizer 406.

In more detail, the pod assembly 402 for an e-cigarette device may include a vapor precursor compartment configured to hold a vapor precursor 418 therein. The equipment compartment is in fluid communication with the vapor precursor compartment. The equipment compartment includes a nebulizer 406. A vapor passage 408 extends from the equipment compartment through the vapor precursor compartment.

The pod assembly 402 is configured to be inserted into a dispensing body. Accordingly, the pod assembly 402 may have a size that corresponds to the size of the through-hole (e.g., 114) of the dispensing body (e.g., 104). When the pod assembly 402 is inserted into the through bore of the dispensing body, the vapor passage 408 may be between the mouth (e.g., 108) and the equipment compartment.

Attachment structures (e.g., male/female arrangement, magnetic arrangement) may be provided on at least one of the side walls (e.g., 116) of the through-hole (e.g., 114) and the side surfaces of the pod assembly 402. The attachment structure may be configured to engage and retain the pod assembly 402 when the pod assembly 402 is inserted into the through bore of the dispensing body. Additionally, the pod assembly 402 may be secured in the through bore of the dispensing body using the channel outlet 412. For example, the dispensing body may be provided with a telescoping steam connector configured to be inserted into the channel outlet 412 to secure the pod assembly 402 while also supplementing the steam path from the channel outlet 412 to the steam channel (e.g., 106) of the dispensing body (e.g., 104). The steam connector may also be of a rounded configuration and/or spring-loaded to facilitate its retraction (e.g., via spring compression) and extension (e.g., via spring decompression).

In one example embodiment, the vapor precursor compartment of the pod assembly 402 may surround the vapor channel 408. For example, the vapor channel 408 may pass through the center of the vapor precursor compartment, although the example embodiments are not limited in this regard.

Alternatively, unlike the vapor channel 408 shown in fig. 19, the vapor channel may be in the form of a passageway disposed along at least one sidewall of the precursor compartment. For example, the vapor channel may be provided in the form of a passageway that spans between the first cap 404 and the second cap 414 while extending along one or both sides of the inner surface of the pod molding 410. Thus, the passageway may have a thin rectangular cross-section, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. When the passageways are disposed along two sidewalls of the vapor precursor compartment (e.g., two inner sidewalls of the pod molding 410), the passageways along each sidewall may be configured to converge at a location (e.g., the channel outlet 412) that is aligned with the vapor channel (e.g., 106) of the dispensing body (e.g., 104) when the pod assembly 402 is received in the through-hole 114.

In another case, the steam channel may be in the form of a conduit arranged in at least one corner of the steam precursor compartment. Such corners may be at the interface of first cap 404 and/or second cap 414 with the inner surface of pod molding 410. Thus, the catheter may have a triangular cross-section, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. When the conduits are disposed in at least two corners of the vapor precursor compartment (e.g., front corners, rear corners, diagonal corners, side corners), the conduits in each corner may be configured to converge at a location (e.g., channel outlet 412) that aligns with the vapor channels (e.g., 106) of the distribution body (e.g., 104) when the pod assembly 402 is received in the through-holes 114.

The vapor precursor compartment and the device compartment may be at opposite ends of the pod assembly 402. The equipment compartment may include a memory device. The memory device may be encoded with an electronic identity to allow at least one of verifying the identity of the pod assembly 402 and performing a specific operating parameter pairing of the pod assembly 402 when the pod assembly 402 is inserted into a through-hole of the dispensing body (e.g., smart calibration). The electronic identity may help to prevent counterfeiting. The operating parameters may help optimize the vapor experience without burdening adult smokers with determining appropriate settings. In one example embodiment, the level of vapor precursor in the pod assembly 402 may be tracked. Additionally, once the pod assembly 402 has exceeded its intended service life, its activation may be limited. Thus, the pod assemblies 402 (and 302) may be considered intelligent pods.

The side surface of the pod assembly 402 includes at least one electrical contact 416 and/or data connection 417 (e.g., two or three electrical contacts and/or data connections). The dispensing body may be configured to perform at least one of powering the pod assembly 402 and communicating with the pod assembly 402 via the at least one electrical contact 416. At least one electrical contact 416 may be provided at an end of the pod assembly 402 corresponding to the equipment compartment. Because of its intelligence, the pod assembly 402 may communicate with the dispensing body and/or another electronic device (e.g., a smart phone). Thus, usage patterns and other information (e.g., scent intensity, throat feel, puff count) may be generated, stored, transmitted, and/or displayed. The intelligence, connection features and other related aspects of the pod assembly, the dispensing body and the overall e-cigarette device are further discussed in U.S. application Ser. No.62/151,160 (Atty.Dkt.No. 24000-000200-US-PS1 (ALCS 2853)), U.S. application Ser. No.62/151,179 (Atty.Dkt.No. 24000-000201-US-PS1 (ALCS 2854)), and U.S. application Ser. No.62/151,248 (Atty.Dkt.No. 24000-000202-US-PS1 (ALCS 2855)), the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Fig. 20 is a view of an e-cigarette device with a pod assembly inserted into a dispensing body according to one example embodiment. Referring to fig. 20, the e-cigarette device 500 includes a pod assembly 502 (e.g., a smart pod), the pod assembly 502 being inserted into a dispensing body 504. The pod assembly 502 may be as described in relation to pod assembly 302 and pod assembly 402. Thus, the pod assembly 502 may be a trouble-free and leak-free component that may be relatively easily replaced when the vapor precursor therein is deficient/exhausted or when another scent is desired.

Fig. 21 illustrates a device system of a dispensing body according to an example embodiment. The device system 2100 may be a system in the dispensing body 104 and the dispensing body 204.

The device system 2100 includes a controller 2105, a power supply 2110, an actuator control 2115, a pod electrical/data interface 2120, device sensors 2125, an input/output (I/O) interface 2130, a vapor indicator 2135, at least one antenna 2140, and a storage medium 2145. The device system 2100 is not limited to the features shown in fig. 21. For example, the device system 2100 may include additional components. However, for brevity, additional components are not described.

The controller 2105 may be hardware, firmware, hardware executing software, or any combination thereof. When the controller 2105 is hardware, such existing hardware may include one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs), digital Signal Processors (DSPs), application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) computers, etc., configured as special purpose machines to perform the functions of the processor 220. As described above, CPU, DSP, ASIC and FPGAs may generally be referred to as processing devices.

Where the controller 2105 is a processor executing software, the controller 2105 is configured as a special purpose machine to execute the software stored in the storage medium 2145 to perform the functions of at least one controller 2105.

As discussed herein, the terms "storage medium," "computer-readable storage medium," or "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium" may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, magnetic core memory, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and/or other tangible machine-readable media for storing information. The term "computer-readable medium" can include, without being limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying instruction(s) and/or data.

Referring to fig. 21, the controller 2105 communicates with a power supply 2110, an actuator control 2115, a pod electrical/data interface 2120, device sensors 2125, an input/output (I/O) interface 2130, a vapor indicator 2135, at least one antenna 2140.

The controller 2105 communicates with the CC-NVM in the pod via the pod electrical/data interface 2120. More specifically, the controller 2105 may utilize encryption to authenticate the pod. As will be described, the controller 2105 communicates with the CC-NVM packet to authenticate the pod. More specifically, the non-volatile memory is encoded with products and other information for authentication during manufacturing.

The memory device may be encoded with an electronic identity to allow at least one of verifying the identity of the pod and performing a specific pairing of operating parameters of the pod when the pod assembly 402 is inserted into the through-hole of the dispensing body. In addition to pod-based electronic identity verification, the controller 2105 may authorize use of the pod based on the expiration date of the stored vapor precursor and/or heater encoded into the nonvolatile memory of the CC-NVM. If the controller determines that the expiration date encoded into the non-volatile memory has expired, the controller may not authorize use of the pod and cause the electronic cigarette device to be disabled.

The controller 2105 (or storage medium 2145) stores critical material for encryption and proprietary algorithm software. For example, encryption algorithms rely on the use of random numbers. The security of these algorithms depends on how random these data are. These numbers are typically pre-generated and encoded into a processor or memory device. By using puff parameters (e.g., puff duration, puff interval, or a combination thereof) to generate numbers, example embodiments may increase the randomness of the numbers used for encryption, which are more random and more person-to-person than pre-generated random numbers. All communications between the controller 2105 and the pod may be encrypted.

In addition, the pod may serve as a general payload carrier for other information, such as a software patch for the electronic cigarette device. Because encryption is used in all communications between the pod and the controller 2105, this information is more secure and the electronic cigarette device is less prone to being installed with malware or viruses. The use of CC-NVM as an information carrier such as data and software upgrades allows electronic cigarette devices to use the software upgrade without connecting to the internet and allows adult smokers to go through the download process as with most other consumer electronic devices that require regular software upgrades.

The controller 2105 may also include a cryptographic accelerator to allow the resources of the controller 2105 to perform functions other than encoding and decoding related to authentication. The controller 2105 may also include other security features, such as preventing unauthorized access to the communication channel and preventing unauthorized access to the data if the pod or smoker is not authenticated.

In addition to the cryptographic accelerator, the controller 2105 may include other hardware accelerators. For example, the controller 2105 may include a floating point arithmetic unit (FPU), a separate DSP core, a digital filter, and a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module.

The controller 2105 operates a real-time operating system (RTOS), controls the system 2100, and may be upgraded by communicating with the CC-NVM or when the system 2100 is connected to other devices (e.g., a smart phone) via the I/O interface 2130 and/or the antenna 2140. The I/O interface 2130 and antenna 2140 allow the system 2100 to connect to various external devices such as smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. For example, the I/O interface 2130 may comprise a micro-USB connector. The system 2100 may use micro-USB connectors to charge the power supply 2110 b.

The controller 2105 may include on-board RAM and flash memory to store and execute code including analysis, diagnostics, and software upgrades. Alternatively, the storage medium 2145 may store the code. Additionally, in another example embodiment, the storage medium 2145 may be on-board the controller 2105.

The controller 2105 may also include an on-board clock, reset and power management module to reduce the area covered by the PCB in the dispensing body.

The device sensor 2125 may include a plurality of sensing transducers that provide measurement information to the controller 2105. The device sensors 2125 may include power supply temperature sensors, external pod temperature sensors, heater current sensors, power supply current sensors, airflow sensors, and accelerators to monitor motion and direction. The power supply temperature sensor and the external pod temperature sensor may be thermistors or thermocouples, while the current sensor of the heater and the power supply current sensor may be a resistance-based sensor or another sensor configured to measure current. The airflow sensor may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) flow sensor or another sensor configured to measure airflow.

Data generated from multiple sensor transducers may be sampled at a sampling rate compatible with parameters measured using independent multi-channel analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).

The controller 2105 may adjust heater profiles and other profiles of the vapor precursor based on measurement information received from the controller 2105. For convenience, these profiles are often referred to as evaporation or steam profiles.

During the few seconds that a puff occurs, the heater profile is consistent with the power profile supplied to the heater. One example of a heater profile may be to deliver a maximum amount of power to the heater at the beginning of a puff and then reduce the power to about one half or one quarter immediately after one second or so.

Pulsed wave modulation is typically used instead of toggling the on/off switch so that the power supply is fully on or off to effect power modulation.

In addition, the heater profile may also be modified by the degree of negative pressure applied to the electronic cigarette device by the adult smoker. The use of MEMS flow sensors allows the puff intensity to be measured and used as feedback to the controller 2105 to adjust the amount of power delivered to the heater of the pod, which may be referred to as heating or energy delivery.

When the controller 2105 identifies a currently installed pod (e.g., via SKU), the controller 2105 matches the relevant heating profile designed for that particular pod. The controller 2105 and storage medium 2145 will store data and algorithms that allow heating profiles to be generated for all SKUs. Adult smokers can also adjust the heating profile to suit their preferences.

As shown in fig. 21, the controller 2105 transmits data to the power supply 2110 and receives data from the power supply 2110. The power supply 2110 includes a power supply 2110b and a power supply controller 2110a to manage the power output of the power supply 2110 b.

The power source 2110b may be a lithium ion battery or a variation thereof, such as a lithium ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the power supply 2110b may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery, or a fuel cell. Alternatively, the power supply 2110b may be rechargeable and include circuitry that allows the battery to be charged by an external charging device. In this case, when charging, the circuit provides power for a desired (or alternatively predetermined) number of puffs, after which the circuit must be reconnected to the external charging device.

The power supply controller 2110a provides commands to the power supply 2110b based on instructions of the controller 2105. For example, when the pod is authenticated and the adult smoker activates the system 2100 (e.g., by activating a switch such as a switch button, capacitive sensor, infrared sensor), the power supply 2110 can receive a command from the controller 2105 to provide power to the pod (via the electrical/data interface 2120). When the pod is not authenticated, the controller 2105 either does not send a command to the power supply 2110 or sends an instruction to the power supply 2110 to not provide power. In another example embodiment, if the pod is not authenticated, the controller 2105 may cause the overall operation of the system 2100 to be disabled.

In addition to powering the pod, the power supply 2110 also powers the controller 2105. In addition, the power supply controller 2110a may provide feedback to the controller 2105 indicating the performance of the power supply 2110 b.

The controller 2105 transmits data to the at least one antenna 2140 and receives data from the at least one antenna 2140. The at least one antenna 2140 may include a Near Field Communication (NFC) modem and a bluetooth Low Energy (LE) modem and/or other modems for other wireless technologies (e.g., wi-Fi). In one example embodiment, the communication stack is in a modem, but the modem is controlled by the controller 2105. Bluetooth LE modems are used for data and control communication with applications on external devices, such as smart phones. The NFC modem may be used to pair the electronic cigarette device with the application and retrieve diagnostic information. In addition, the NFC modem may be used to provide location information (enabling adult smokers to find electronic cigarette devices) or authentication during purchase.

As described above, the system 2100 may generate and adjust various profiles for an e-cigarette. The controller 2105 uses the power supply 2110 and the actuator control 2115 to adjust the profile of the adult smoker.

The actuator controls 2115 include passive and active actuators to adjust the desired steam profile. For example, the dispensing body may comprise an inlet passage in the mouth. The actuator control 2115 may control the inlet passage based on commands of the controller 2105 related to a desired steam profile.

In addition, an actuator control 2115 is used to supply energy to the heater along with a power supply 2110. More specifically, the actuator control 2115 is configured to generate a drive waveform associated with a desired e-cigarette profile. As described above, each possible profile is associated with a drive waveform. When a command is received from the controller 2105 indicating a desired e-cigarette profile, the actuator control 2115 may generate an associated modulated waveform for the power supply 2110.

The controller 2105 provides information to the vapor indicator 2135 to indicate status and the occurring operation to the adult smoker. The vapor indicator 2135 includes a power indicator (e.g., an LED) that is activated when the controller 2105 senses that the adult smoker presses a button. Vapor indicator 2135 may also include a vibrator, speaker, indicator of the current status of the smoker-controlled e-cigarette parameter (e.g., vapor volume), and other feedback mechanisms.

In addition, the system 2100 can include a plurality of on-product controls 2150, the on-product controls 2150 providing commands to the controller 2105 from an adult smoker. The on-product control 2150 includes an on-off button that may be, for example, a switch button, a capacitive sensor, or an IR sensor. The on-product controls 2150 may also include e-cigarette control buttons (if an adult smoker wishes to supply energy to the heater in place of the push-button-less e-cigarette feature), hard reset buttons, touch-based slider controls (for controlling the setting of e-cigarette parameters such as puff volume), e-cigarette control buttons for activating the slider controls and mechanically adjusting the air intake.

Once the identity of the pod is verified, the controller 2105 operates the power supply 2110, actuator controls 2115, vapor indicator 2135 and antenna 2140 according to the information stored by the CC-NVM on the adult smoker and pod using the electronic cigarette device. In addition, the controller 2105 may include a logging function and may be capable of implementing an algorithm to calibrate the electronic cigarette device. The controller 2105 performs a logging function to record usage data as well as any undesirable events or faults. The recorded usage data may be used for diagnosis and analysis. The controller 2105 may use the push-button e-cigarette, the smoker configuration, and information stored on the CC-NVM, including puff sensing, vapor precursor level, and vapor precursor composition, to calibrate the e-cigarette device. For example, the controller 2105 may command the power supply 2110 to power the heater in the pod based on an e-cigarette profile associated with the vapor precursor composition in the pod. Alternatively, the e-cigarette profile may be encoded in the CC-NVM and used by the controller 2105.

Figure 22 shows a pod system diagram of a dispensing body according to an example embodiment. Pod system 2200 may be in pod assembly 502, pod assembly 302, and pod assembly 402.

As shown in fig. 22, pod system 2200 includes CC-NVM2205, a body electrical/data interface 2210, a heater 2215, and a pod sensor 2220. The pod system 2200 communicates with the device system 2100 through a body electrical/data interface 2210 and a pod electrical/data interface 2120. For example, the body electrical/data interface 2210 may correspond to the battery contacts 416 and data interface 417 shown in fig. 19 connected in the pod 402. Accordingly, CC-NVM2205 is coupled to data interface 417 and battery contact 416.

CC-NVM2205 includes cryptographic coprocessor 2205a and non-volatile memory 2205b. For authentication and operation of the pod by communicating with the cryptographic coprocessor 2205a, the controller 2105 may access information stored on the non-volatile memory 2205b.

The non-volatile memory 2205b may be encoded with an electronic identity to allow at least one of verifying the identity of the pod and performing a specific operating parameter pairing of the pod when the pod assembly is inserted into the through-hole of the dispensing body. In addition to pod-based electronic identity verification, the controller 2105 may authorize the use of the pod based on the expiration date of the stored vapor precursor and/or heater encoded into the non-volatile memory 2205b of the CC-NVM. If the controller determines that the expiration date encoded into the non-volatile memory 2205b has expired, the controller may not authorize use of the pod and cause the electronic cigarette device to be disabled.

In addition, nonvolatile memory 2205b may store information such as a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) of vapor precursor in a vapor precursor compartment (including vapor precursor components), a software patch of system 2100, product usage information (e.g., number of puffs, duration of puffs), and vapor precursor level. The non-volatile memory 2205b may store a specific operating parameter of the pod and vapor precursor composition. For example, the non-volatile memory 2205b may store the electronic and mechanical designs of the pod for use by the controller 2105 in determining commands corresponding to a desired e-cigarette profile.

The vapor precursor level in the pod may be determined, for example, by one of two ways. In one example embodiment, one pod sensor 2220 directly measures the vapor precursor level in the pod.

In another example embodiment, the nonvolatile memory 2205b stores the number of puffs taken from the pod and the controller 2105 uses the number of puffs obtained in place of the amount of vaporized vapor precursor.

The controller 2105 and/or the storage medium 2145 may store vapor precursor correction data identifying an operating point of a vapor precursor composition. The vapor precursor correction data includes data describing how the flow rate varies with the remaining vapor precursor level or how the volatility varies with the time of use of the vapor precursor, and may be used by the controller 2105 for correction. The vapor precursor correction data may be stored by the controller 2105 and/or the storage medium 2145 in tabular format. The vapor precursor correction data allows the controller 2105 to equalize the number of puffs acquired with the amount of vaporized vapor precursor.

The controller 2105 writes the vapor precursor level and the number of puffs taken back to the nonvolatile memory 2205b in the pod, so if the pod is removed from the dispensing body and subsequently reinstalled, the controller 2105 will still know the exact vapor precursor level of the pod.

The operating parameters (e.g., power supply, power duration, air channel control) are referred to as an e-cigarette profile. In addition, the nonvolatile memory 2205b may record information that communicates with the controller 2105. The nonvolatile memory 2205b can hold recorded information even when the dispensing body is separated from the pod.

In one example embodiment, the non-volatile memory 2205b may be a programmable read only memory.

The heater 2215 is actuated by the controller 2105 and transfers heat to the vapor precursor according to a commanded profile (volume, temperature (based on power profile) and fragrance) from the controller 2105.

The heater 2215 may be a metal coil wrapped around a core, mesh, surface, or made of, for example, a ceramic material. Examples of suitable resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, and iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel. For example, the heater may be formed of nickel aluminum compounds, materials having an aluminum oxide layer on the surface, iron aluminum compounds, and other constituent materials, and the resistive material may be optionally embedded, encapsulated, or covered with an insulating material or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the desired external physicochemical properties. In one embodiment, heater 14 comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper alloys, nichrome, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the heater 2215 is formed from nichrome or ferrochrome. In one embodiment, the heater 2215 may be a ceramic heater having a resistive layer on its outer surface.

In another embodiment, heater 2215 may be constructed of an iron aluminum compound (e.g., feAl or Fe ₃ Al), or a nickel aluminum compound (e.g., ni ₃ Al), such as those described in commonly owned U.S. patent No.5,595,706 filed 12/29/1994, sikka, et Al, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Based on feedback from the pod sensor or controller 2105, the heater 2215 may determine the amount of vapor precursor to be heated. The flow rate of the vapor precursor may be controlled by microcapillary or wick effects. In addition, the controller 2105 may send a command to the heater 2215 to adjust the air intake of the heater 2215.

Pod sensor 2220 may include a heater temperature sensor, a vapor precursor flow rate monitor, and an airflow monitor. The heater temperature sensor may be a thermistor or thermocouple and the system 2200 may use electrostatic interference or a rotating body in the liquid to perform flow rate sensing. The airflow sensor may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) flow sensor or another sensor configured to measure airflow.

The data generated from pod sensor 2220 may be sampled at a sampling rate compatible with parameters measured using a separate multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

Although a number of example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (5)

1. A pod assembly for an electronic cigarette device, comprising:

A first cap;

a second cap opposite to the first cap and wider than the first cap;

A pod molding disposed between and inclined outwardly from the first cap and the second cap, wherein the first cap, the second cap, and the pod molding are assembled together to define an interior space of the pod assembly, wherein the pod molding defines a channel outlet for releasing steam generated in the pod assembly, and

A vapor passage disposed in the interior space such that the interior space is divided into a vapor precursor compartment and an equipment compartment, and an outlet of the vapor passage is aligned with the passage outlet, wherein the vapor precursor compartment is configured to hold a vapor precursor therein, and the equipment compartment is in fluid communication with the vapor precursor compartment;

Wherein the vapor channel extends from the equipment compartment and through the vapor precursor compartment.

2. The pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the equipment compartment comprises a nebulizer.

3. The pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the equipment compartment comprises a storage device.

4. The pod assembly of claim 1, wherein a side surface of the pod assembly comprises at least one electrical contact.

5. The pod assembly of claim 1 wherein the steam channel has an outlet located between the first surface and the second surface.